Fitness group gets funding

The curling rink in Masset is being transformed into a fitness centre, thanks to the work of numerous volunteers. The Haida Gwaii Fitness Association recently received a $20,000 grant through the Gwaii Trust Legacy Program to undertake the renovations. The Greater Masset Development Corporation already gave the group, led by Shaun Peacock and Andy Andersen, the old curling rink for the purpose of creating a new and improved facility. They intend to house cardio equipment, a weight room and create an open area for aerobics and dance classes along with a boxing ring in the former rink area. To prepare for the renovations, hundreds of hours of volunteer time have already been spent demolishing the curling facility and selling off the equipment. The group plans to put in wood-based in-floor heating, which is more efficient than other heating systems. The facility will also include a small cafe space. Prior to this project, HGFA president Mr. Peacock donated most of the equipment used in the old recreation centre weight room. The deal was he would get the equipment back if the recreation centre closed. More recently his equipment (through the HGFA) has been housed in a building behind the curling rink, also owned by GMDC, for no fee. The HGFA’s weight room currently has over 40 full-time members and the demand has outgrown the physical space. The in-floor heating system is expected to cost $24,999 and the concrete pour $18,000. The HGFA has already contributed $9,000 to the renovation project and has logged 800 hours in volunteer labour. They expect to spend another 900 hours installing the in-floor heating.